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A grassland that occurs on acid soil: it is usually derived from former woodland as a consequence of centuries of grazing and, to a lesser extent, burning. In Britain and much of north-western Europe the dominant grasses are species of Agrostis (bent) and Festuca (fescue). This type of vegetation is most extensive in upland areas, but the associated plant species tend to be different, and the name ‘grass heath’ is considered more appropriate. In North America broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), Elliott's broomsedge (A. elliotti), supina bluegrass (Poa supina), and Canada bluegrass (P. compressa) are typical grasses of acidic parts of the prairie.